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My parents, grandparents, and older relatives love to eat a fruit from southeast Asia called a durian. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it before, but if not, just know that durian is a fruit with such a strong odor that it is banned in several buildings and public transportation in Asia. When I was younger, I would sometimes come home from elementary school to the scent of durian which I could smell from outside the apartment. Whenever I knew there was a cut-open durian in the living room – and it’d be hard for me to not notice unless I’ve lost my sense of smell – I would hold my breath and charge from the front door straight into my room. Of course, the smell of durians could easily penetrate my bedroom door, but it was the best I could do. If I had to come out of my room for the kitchen or restroom, I would have to stop breathing for a moment.

Then one day, the durian did not stink anymore. I don’t even understand why that previously disgusting odor turned into a sweet scent, but I was finally able to eat the durian when I was around 17 years old. Apparently the durian is somewhat similar to ice cream in consistency, but with its own distinct flavor. But don’t be mistaken; it’s not like I suddenly love durian now. Whenever I even think of a durian, the picture of me running away from its odor in our old apartment would automatically come to mind.